Indonesia Still unknown in the world of soccer

JAKARTA (JP): Despite a population of 193 million people and a 65-year acquaintance with soccer, Indonesia remains unknown in the soccer world -- if Joe Royle, manager of FA Cup winner Everton, is any indication.

Royle, fresh from helping Everton gain the coveted title, is on his first trip here and admits he has no knowledge of Indonesian soccer.

Royle was special guest at a soccer tournament organized by the British International School yesterday.

"I don't know a lot about Asian soccer. I don't know who is the best in Asia," Royle said yesterday. The former English international player was sorry to have to disappoint a number of local sports journalists, eager to hear his views on this favorite issue.

He regained his enthusiasm, however, when the reporters asked him about Japan and South Korea, Asia's two leading soccer powerhouses, which are vying to become the first Asian country to host the World Cup in 2002.

"Japan has made quick progress, thanks to its growing league," Royle said, noting that England had been saved by David Platt's penalty in its 2-1 win over Japan in the International Challenge tournament on Saturday.

Royle believes both Japan and three-time World Cup qualifier South Korea, are catching up with the Europeans.

The former Oldham manager also made it clear during the brief interview that he was still chasing Nottingham Forest's Stan Collymore.

"I don't know what will happen, but we have a strong chance of getting him in," he said. Everton has bid seven million pounds in effort to sign the goal machine.

"We need to score more goals to go to the top of the league next season," Royle added. Playing in four competitions next season, Everton has approached two other players apart from Collymore. Royle, however, would not be drawn on the two prospective additions to the team.

"Money is not the problem," said Royle, who joined Everton last year just in time to save it from relegation.

Everton made amends for its previous losses in its four appearances at Wembley stadium last month, beating title holder Manchester United 1-0. It will now try to ease England's pain in the Cup Winners' Cup.

Spain's Zaragoza dashed England's hopes of Cup glory by edging out Chelsea in the semifinals in April and beating Arsenal in the final in May. (amd)